Decatur High School Families,
Twice in the past week we have found students to be in
possession of a weapon on school campus. In both cases it was a knife. Though I
don’t believe there was an imminent threat in either situation, the
consequences are difficult to digest. According to our Code of Conduct, this
violation constitutes a Level III disciplinary action; the consequences may
result in long term suspension (i.e., a suspension for more than ten days),
alternative school, or expulsion. As you know, weapons on school campus also
carry criminal penalties, often considered a felony offense.
In my experience, parents are generally aware that their
son/daughter has a knife (boy scouts, hiking, etc.), and I know students are
aware that they should not be at school. Please have conversations at home
about the consequences of having weapons on school campus. The laws are very
strict, designed to maintain safety on school campus. We do not have the luxury
of dismissing weapons cases, and it is nearly impossible to determine intent.
Going to a disciplinary hearing of this weight is one of my
least favorite responsibilities as a school leader. However, when faced with
the issue, it is what must happen. I write this to appeal to you as a school
community to discuss this issue with your children. My hope is that doing so
will not only ensure the safety of our school, but will also help ensure our
young people are aware of the weight of such a mistake.
Many thanks for your support,
Lauri McKain
Principal
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